I recently ground tested my standard Futaba radio out to 1.5km. I would have went further but I ran out of road. Keep in mind this is a ground test with the radio TX at hip level and the RX inside my car on the dash. I wanted to get an idea of a poor radio setup. I recently bought a FrSky setup. Once it arrives I'll give that a test. Some folks are reporting 2-3km before the RSSI beeper goes crazy.

The other thing you can do is put the radio in range test. Then move away until the system loses link. You then measure that distance and do the math.

The Futaba 617FS RXs (and perhaps other futaba) also just have whip antennas with UMCs on them. It is pretty easy to replace them with higher gain antennas, and get a little more range out of them.

The Futaba 617FS RXs (and perhaps other futaba) also just have whip antennas with UMCs on them. It is pretty easy to replace them with higher gain antennas, and get a little more range out of them.

Correct. Plus FrSky has the same thing going for them. I already have the U.FL to SMA connector for the Futaba RX. Just never got around to using it. I'll probably tear into my FrSky setup. Might even get the booster. I noticed that FrSky has longer standard antennas you can order for them. They have the same connector Futaba uses. Nice because you can leave the RX in the plane and run the wires out onto the wing.

I am starting to get the feelers out for a trip to Ocotillo, to fly in open space.I sold my dune buggy, so this winter I had no desert trips and am longing for some open space and wide skies.

.....

So far folks are good with March 23 & 24, the weekend before Easter.

I would be happy to organize a pot luck for the first evening, so someone coming out for the day could participate with that also.What say ye? Its close enough for a day trip, and if you are ok camping, night flying, good eats and camaraderie.

Desert flying is a blast.
I usually go with the MiraMar club to Superstition Mountain a couple times a year.

Only one other fpv pilot but we all have big stuff to fly LOS.

Shenanigans include multiple planes flying formation from the back of a moving truck across the desert, ulta micros catching thermals off the camp fire at night, usually a movie protected onto a toy hauler each night.

Might look into Split Mountain Road also. It is very near Octillio but is usually less busy. Also opportunity for Proximity flying along the mountain.

Right now I have mine pointed 90 degrees apart with one going along the arm of quad and another going down a leg. But I'm wondering if I should go 90 degrees horizontally, instead of vertically. Maybe it doesnt make much difference.